Preparing Your Lawn for Summer Heat Stress
Hot, dry weather can take a toll on your lawn. Brown patches, thinning grass, and dry soil are common signs of summer heat stress. The good news is that a few simple lawn care practices can help keep your lawn healthy throughout the hottest months of the year.
Water Smarter, Not More
One of the biggest lawn care mistakes is watering too often. Instead, water deeply one or two times per week to encourage deeper root growth. Early morning is the best time to water, as less moisture is lost to evaporation and the grass has time to dry before evening.
A healthy lawn typically needs about 1 inch of water per week, including rainfall.
Don’t Cut Your Grass Too Short
Keeping your grass slightly taller during the summer helps protect it from the sun. Taller grass shades the soil, helping it retain moisture and reducing heat stress.
Avoid removing more than one-third of the grass blade during each mow to keep your lawn healthy.
Fertilize at the Right Time
Heavy fertilizing during extreme heat can put additional stress on your lawn. If your lawn needs nutrients, choose a slow-release fertilizer and avoid applying it during heat waves. Proper fertilization helps strengthen roots and improves your lawn’s ability to withstand dry conditions.
Give Your Lawn a Helping Hand
Trees, shrubs, and landscape beds can provide valuable shade during the hottest part of the day. Mulching around garden beds also helps retain soil moisture and reduces competition from weeds.
If your lawn starts to look brown during extended dry periods, don’t panic. Many GTA lawns naturally go dormant to conserve energy and will recover once cooler temperatures and regular rainfall return.
Professional Commercial Lawn Care Services
Contact MPS Property Services today to learn how our lawn care and commercial grounds maintenance programs can help your property stay healthy, green, and ready for whatever summer brings.